The Roane County History Society met at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22nd for its first regular meeting of 2012 with thirteen members and two guests present. Rick Greathouse, President, called the meeting to order and welcomed those present. Denver Gandee led an opening prayer and the pledge to the American flag was recited by all. The minutes from the December 2011 meeting were read by Susan Tucker and approved as read. The treasurer’s report was given by Carol Board-Westfall reflecting a balance of $16,250.62

Linda Liss, Membership & Corresponding Secretary, reported present membership at 201, which included two new members. She also reported that she had replied to several inquiries and had sent greeting or sympathy cards where needed.

Liss extended her appreciation to the Society for nominating her for the 2012 History Hero honor held on Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 at the Culture Center in Charleston as part of History Day at the Legislature. Thirty-four West Virginians were honored for their contributions to their respective communities and/or societies.

She also reported on the Annual Scholarship Essay, that several Senior high school students have picked up the scholarship applications. The society will present a $750 scholarship to the writer of the best essay interpreting their family genealogy. Essay deadline was, Friday, April 6th. The scholarship will be awarded at the Roane County High School’s annual awards ceremony later this Spring.

Guest and former society member, Judy Hildreth, has new books for sale. She has compiled the Birth Records for Calhoun County, WV. Letters A through H. are now available. You may email Judy at jhildreth961@yahoo.com to place an order.

A collection of 1980’s & 90’s obituaries from the Calhoun Chronicle and the Glenville Pathfinder were donated to the society by Mrs. Elaine Gates. The clippings will be organized into albums and placed in the society’s history room.

The R.C.H.S. is also in receipt of a large portrait of three Greathouse Unknowns, [pictured in the photo section of this website]. It was donated to the society by member Cheryl Moss Holbrook and her brother Greg Moss. It was found in their late grandmother’s belongings and believed to be descendants of Joseph “Joe” and Katherine “Kit” Webb Greathouse. If you recognize this trio, please contact Linda Liss at WVRoots@aol.com or post a reply to this article or with the photo.

Mark your calendars, the 17th Annual Genealogy Fair sponsored by the Roane County Historical Society will be held on Saturday, September 22nd at the Heritage Park Community Building in Spencer. More information to follow.

The meeting adjourned with refreshments being served to: Okey and Mary Young, Patty and Bernard Wyatt, Denver Gandee, Carol Board-Westfall, Phill “PJ” Miller, Linda Liss, Hazel Gandee, Peggy L. Starcher, Rick Greathouse, Reva Paxton, Susan Tucker, and guests Judy and Mason Hildreth.

The next meeting of the Roane County Historical Society is scheduled for Thursday, April 26th at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library, lower level. Members are urged to attend and guests are always welcome.

The 16th Annual West Virginia History Day at the Legislature “History Hero” presentations were held on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at the Culture Center in Charleston, WV. Thirty-three West Virginians were awarded “History Hero” certificates. The event, sponsored by the WV Division of Archives and History, recognizes individuals for their dedicated support of and contributions to their organization’s programs, community service projects and promotion of historical preservations.
Linda L. Cottrell Liss was nominated by the Roane County Historical Society for the honor. She has been an active member of the Roane County Historical Society for several years and currently serves as membership and corresponding secretary. She initiated and carried out restoration and recording of the 1840-1881 historic Cottrell Family Cemetery and photo recorded the Swank Cemetery both on Speed Road of Roane County. She writes articles about R.C.H.S. activities for the society’s website and newsletter and also for the county newspaper. Linda also performs inquiry research for the society and is chairperson of the annual essay scholarship committee. Among other efforts, she designed and edited a walking tour brochure highlighting historic buildings in Spencer, WV and compiled a booklet on the subject for the society’s library.
Linda is a Roane County native, active in her local church, a wife, mother and grandmother, HospiceCare volunteer and an avid genealogist for over 30-years.

The 13th annual Hoot Owl Night at the West Virginia Archives & History Library in Charleston will be held from 6 p.m., March 30, 2012, through 8 a.m., March 31. Registrations with $25.00 check or money order must be postmarked by March 16. Late registrations, if space available is $35.
You can download a registration form found on the WV Archives & History Library site, www.wvculture.org
This annual event sponsored by the Mining Your History Foundation, allows you to research at the archives library to your heart's content and fellowship with other genealogists.
You may contact Joe Geiger at 304-558-0230 or Wes Cochran, 304-422-1774 for more info.

JUST A REMINDER:
The Roane County Historical Society will meet on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library in Spencer. We took a break during January and February; it's now time to get back to the business of promoting & sharing Roane County history. Members are urged to attend and guests are always welcomed.
If you have questions, I'll be happy to try to answer or find answers.
Linda Cottrell Liss
WVRoots@aol.com
Membership and Corresponding Sect'y

Just a little reminder that the Roane County Historical Society, Inc. does not meet during the months of January & February due to the uncertainty of weather/road conditions. Our next meeting will be Thursday, March 22, 2012, 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library, downstairs. Please mark you calendars now for this important meeting.